Andrew and Sheri met in May, 2007 while attending an international MBA summer program in Reims, France. It was love at first sight when Sheri noticed Andrew from across a beautiful garden called Le Circle Colbert. Over the two-week program they spent more and more time together and took a small group trip to the French Alps. Since Andrew lived in Boston and Sheri lived in Ottawa, they wondered if they’d ever see each other again, but somehow they made their long-distance relationship work for the next 18 months (thanks to flight passes from Air Canada and a very understanding boss). After 7 years of adventures together, Andrew proposed on February 4th, 2014 while the two were skating on the famous Rideau Canal skateway in Ottawa.
One of the couple’s favourite wedding moments was when the bride arrived at the chapel with her father. “As I walked up to the old wooden church arm-in-arm with my dad, I felt like the luckiest girl in the world,” says Sheri. “I had to look back once to see if it was all just a dream.”
One of the couple’s favourite wedding details included their decor and ‘snowflake ball’ vision for their reception. “The room was full of handmade hanging snowflakes and the centerpieces were tall glass vases filled with silver painted tree branches, and hanging on the branches were lanterns with silver tealights and black & white photos of the guests at each table,” says the bride. “It was so beautiful.”
Photographer: Andrew Van Beek
Ceremony location: St. Bernard Chapel
Reception location: Le Grand Lodge Hotel
Bridal gown: The bride wore her mother’s wedding dress; Alterations by Martino’s Bridal
Bridesmaid gowns: Custom-made by Angel Dress Store, AliExpress China
Groomsmen formals: Morris Formal Wear
Bridal / bridesmaid accessories: Celine Rhinestone Jewellery, Hudsons Bay
Hair & Makeup: Fines Lames Espace Coiffure
Cake and Cupcakes: The Cupcake Lounge
Guitarist: Eric Harvey
Favours: Fleece blankets from Ikea and homemade granola by the bride
Flowers: Loblaws
Invitations: Designed by the bride, printed by Amazing Mail
